THE SERPENT AND THE EAGLE

[75] A SERPENT had succeeded in
surprising an Eagle and had
wrapped himself around the
Eagle's neck. The Eagle could
not reach the Serpent, neither
with beak nor claws. Far into
the sky he soared trying to shake
off his enemy. But the Serpent's
hold only tightened, and slowly
the Eagle sank back to earth,
gasping for breath.

A Countryman chanced to see
the unequal combat. In pity for
the noble Eagle he rushed up and
soon had loosened the coiling
Serpent and freed the Eagle.

The Serpent was furious. He
had no chance to bite the watchful
Countryman. Instead he struck
at the drinking horn, hanging at
the Countryman's belt, and into
it let fly the poison of his fangs.

The Countryman now went on
toward home. Becoming thirsty
on the way, he filled his horn at
a spring, and was about to drink.
There was a sudden rush of great
wings. Sweeping down, the Eagle
seized the poisoned horn from out
his savior's hands, and flew away
with it to hide it where it could
never be found.

An act of kindness is well repaid.

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